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Take control and curb your memory loss

One issue that we all face sooner or later is memory loss. Whether it’s forgetting your keys or to send a birthday card, we’ve all caught ourselves wondering what happened to that fine-tuned machine that was our childhood brain.

For most of us the memory loss we all experience at some point is the kind over which we have some control. Here are some possible causes that you can manage for yourself:

Drugs (both prescription and recreational)
You know that over-doing recreational drugs, like alcohol, tobacco or marajuana, causes memory loss, but did you know that some prescription medicines are also to blame? Ones to watch: Some antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and post-surgery pain pills.

Sleep
Quantity and quality of sleep are important to memory. If you’re not getting enough, it can interfere with your ability to digest and recall information. Do you have trouble sleeping? AXA PPP Healthcare expert Mark Winwood has some answers to the most common issues.

Depression, anxiety and stress can affect concentration. When you are tense, overstimulated or distracted, or if you have suffered a trauma, your ability to remember can suffer. Try these tips to stress-proof your life and help you focus.

Nutrition
Healthy food - including high-quality proteins and fats - is vital for proper brain function. Vitamin B1 and B12 are especially important for memory.

Head Trauma can injure the brain and cause both short and long-term memory loss

Strokes often cause short-term memory loss. Exercise has been shown to speed up physical and mental recovery

Making healthy choices is part of the solution, but you can also have some fun too. Try these tips to give your memory a boost and if you think you may have a more serious problem, this article will help you to determine when to call the doctor.

Want to find out more?

Jelf’s healthcare specialists can help put appropriate insurances in place to protect your health and wellbeing in later life. If you’d like to discuss any specific healthcare insurance requirements with one of Jelf’s healthcare advisers, simply:

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